Lisa Manoban, Blackpink’s lead rapper, has been appointed MAC Cosmetics’s latest global brand spokesperson. The news, announced on 19 October, will see the 23-year-old following the likes of Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Rihanna in fronting key campaigns, acting as muse for future innovations and sharing regular insights into her daily routine and make-up bag for the beauty behemoth. Blinks, get ready to see Lisa’s beautifully maquillaged face everywhere.
“I’m a huge fan of MAC and have been a loyal user for a long time, so it’s really a dream come true to have the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the brand,” Lisa shared with Miss Vogue. “MAC is truly at the forefront of trendsetting, which [I’m reminded of] every time I see a MAC campaign or the incredible looks their artists create backstage at fashion week. It’s an honour to partner with a brand with such an incredible heritage and unrivalled expertise in make-up artistry. I am thrilled and looking forward to this journey!”
MAC often proves to be the first pro-level brand that many of us go to when we start experimenting with make-up, as Lisa points out: “The first MAC product I used was a lip product. I’m still a huge fan of [of them] and love playing around with the countless number of colours and textures to choose from to help perfect my look.” In the first image released from the partnership, Lisa can be seen wearing MAC’s Powder Kiss lipstick in the “Mull it Over” shade.
This appointment also contributes to Lisa’s ever-evolving relationship with beauty. “Since I was a little girl, I have always been interested in make-up and fashion,” she explained. “But if I had to say the time I officially fell in love with make-up, I would say that [it] was after my [K-Pop] debut. When we release a new album or when I’m on set for a magazine, I enjoy suggesting a make-up look that I’ve always wanted to try.”
Lisa might be known for her classic take on beauty, grounded by her glossy, jet-black bangs, but with MAC being known for its unbridled approach to creativity, we’re likely going to see her try out some more directional looks.
One thing that won’t waver, however, is Lisa’s inner confidence. “To me, beauty is confidence. I think beauty comes from one’s confident inner self and attitude,” she explained. “Make-up and styling are the cherries on top of your beautiful inner-self!”
The news of Lisa’s MAC appointment comes shortly after the announcement that she has also formalised her relationship with the French fashion house, Celine, by stepping into the brand’s platform heels as its first-ever global ambassador.
Both her work with MAC and Celine feel serendipitous for the musician who also confesses to having had model aspirations as a young girl, but now uses her time on set to note the work of those capturing the shots. “When I was a little girl, I had thought that maybe I could become a model. However, photography seems to have caught my attention more lately. Had I not become a singer, I may have been a photographer,” she added.
Lisa, who is currently the most followed K-Pop star in the world with 40 million Instagram followers, is slowly but surely — and very chicly — expanding her repertoire. Who does she have to thank for the drive that keeps her striving for more? Her bandmates — Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo — as well as the dedicated Blinks. “Blackpink members and my fans are my driving forces,” she sweetly shared. “[I want to say] thank you for always being there for me through all the happiest and the saddest moments. I am truly grateful for all my members and fans.”
As for her words of wisdom for those that admire her ascent? “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is. If you trust in yourself and fight for it until the end, your dreams will come true. You can do it!”
Editor
Naomi Pike